Late ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Star The Vivienne’s Ex Breaks Silence

David Paul Ludford, ex-husband of beloved drag performer and tv star The Vivienne, is opening up about their time collectively after the heartbreaking information of their sudden passing.

The drag star, who used they/them pronouns, rose to fame because the first-ever winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” in 2019 and later competed on the seventh season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”

The Vivienne’s passing was confirmed over the weekend by their supervisor, Simon Jones, who shared a heartfelt assertion on Instagram.

“My coronary heart actually sank after I acquired the decision!! My coronary heart is shattered!!!,” Ludford wrote in an emotional Instagram submit. “By no means in one million years did I believe I’d ever be writing something like this about @thevivienne_.”

Ludford mirrored on their first assembly in August 2017 on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, sharing that that they had an immediate connection.

“We clicked immediately, and I immediately knew we have been going to be in one another’s lives for a very long time,” Ludford wrote. “We actually went by means of and did a lot collectively. It was like a whirlwind, and I wouldn’t have modified the time we spent collectively for something on this planet.”

Though Ludford and Williams had been divorced for over a yr, Ludford emphasised that their bond and shared reminiscences would all the time stay important.

“Going to overlook you greater than individuals will ever know,” Ludford concluded. “Sleep tight, angel.”

The touching tribute was accompanied by a carousel of pictures, together with snapshots from their marriage ceremony night time and different candid moments all through their relationship. Ludford later shared a second submit with extra pictures, writing, “My coronary heart is actually shattered, I really feel so misplaced, I really feel misplaced, I really feel numb. Fly excessive, angel, and hold shining 💗‍✈️.”

The Vivienne and Ludford tied the knot in 2019, with Williams sharing moments from their marriage ceremony day on Instagram, together with a heartfelt thank-you to baker John Whaite for his or her gorgeous five-tiered marriage ceremony cake.

Their first dance, set to Girl Gaga’s “At all times Keep in mind Us This Manner,” stays a cherished reminiscence for followers and family members alike.

In April 2023, the couple introduced their separation in a joint Fb submit, sharing, “As many have observed, David and I’ve been aside just lately. Now we have made the choice to half methods after a tremendous 5 and a half years.”

They added, “We’re nonetheless very a lot buddies, however generally life will get in the way in which, and folks develop aside. We want one another the very best and can all the time be a part of one another’s lives.”

Ludford’s assertion comes hours after the information was confirmed in a social media submit from their supervisor.

“It’s with immense unhappiness that we let you understand our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, has handed away this weekend,” Jones wrote. “James was an extremely liked, warmhearted, and wonderful particular person. Their household are heartbroken on the lack of their son, brother and uncle. They’re so happy with the fantastic issues James achieved of their life and profession.”

He added, “We won’t be releasing any additional particulars. We please ask that James’s household are given the time and privateness they now have to course of and grieve.”

After the information broke, quite a few members of the RuPaul’s Drag Race household shared heartfelt tributes on social media. Amongst them was Jinkx Monsoon, who later went on to win “Drag Race All Stars” Season 7, writing, “I don’t completely have phrases… [They] has made [their] mark in our hearts and on [their] levels. It’s too quickly for a curtain name however I do know it’s a standing ovation.”

Michelle Visage, longtime host and decide of RuPaul’s Drag Race, additionally expressed her heartbreak in an emotional social media submit. “I don’t know the right way to say how I really feel,” Visage mentioned. “We return to after I began coming over right here to the UK. You have been all the time there, all the time laughing, all the time giving, all the time on level. Your laughter, your wit, your expertise, your drag. I liked all of it however I liked your friendship most of all. You have been a beacon to so many.”

She added, “Seeing you make your West Finish debut was wonderful for me to witness your dream come true proper in entrance of my eyes, I’m the fortunate one to have recognized you and to have laughed along with you so many instances.”